Active controlled bottomhole pressure system and method with continuous circulation system

US7806203B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Baker Hughes Holdings LLC · US

Inventors

• Sven Krueger · Trossingen, DE
• Volker Krueger · Celle, DE
• Peter Aronstam · Houston, US
• Harald Grimmer · Celle, DE
• Roger Fincher · Conroe, US
• Larry Watkins · Houston, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 16, 2006
• Grant date: Oct 5, 2010
• Expiry date: Jun 2, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC E): Fixed Constructions
• CPC primary: E21B21/08
• WIPO field: Civil engineering
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

An APD Device provides a pressure differential in a wellbore to control dynamic pressure loss while drilling fluid is continuously circulated in the wellbore. A continuous circulation system circulates fluid both during drilling of the wellbore and when the drilling is stopped. Operating the APD Device allows wellbore pressure control during continuous circulation without substantially changing density of the fluid. The APD Device can maintain wellbore pressure below the combined pressure caused by weight of the fluid and pressure losses created due to circulation of the fluid in the wellbore, maintain the wellbore at or near a balanced pressure condition, maintain the wellbore at an underbalanced condition, reduce the swab effect in the wellbore, and/or reduce the surge effect in the wellbore. A flow restriction device that creates a backpressure in the wellbore annulus provides surface control of wellbore pressure.